January 18, 2018

A Grand Time on Main

If you haven’t taken the time to stroll down Main Street lately, you might not recognize it. There are new shops and restaurants opening up all along the street from the State House down to the courthouse. One block that has changed the most over the last year is the 1600 block of Main Street, nestled between Taylor Street and Blanding Street.

This block is home to shops and restaurants like Mast General Store, Good Life Cafe, Michael’s Café and Catering, Sweet Cream, Lula Drake, and more. There is a little something for everyone here.

The latest addition to the street, The Grand, opened up at the end of last year and has been a crowd favorite since the day their doors opened to the public. The Grand held their official City of Columbia ribbon cutting ceremony last week, but have been entertaining guests for nearly six weeks already.

Tap into craft beer and bowling at The Grand, Columbia’s first self-service tap room and boutique bowling alley. They offer casual upscale dining, a full service bar, and seven lanes of bowling. Downstairs, discover an arcade and taproom that offers you the opportunity to serve yourself wine and craft beer from over a dozen taps and to play some of your favorite old arcade games.

The food at The Grand is absolutely delicious! We know what you’re thinking—dinner at the bowling alley? Trust us: The Grand is a restaurant that happens to have a bowling alley. We highly recommend the Zucchini Fritte or the Southwest Loaded fries for your appetizer. Both are great to enjoy anywhere at The Grand from the bar to your table or your bowling lane. It’s hard to pick a favorite from the soups, salads, sandwiches, and entrées—with such a wide variety, even the pickiest eater is sure to find something to enjoy!

Everyone’s number one question has been: how’s the bowling? Our answer: it’s awesome! Gone are the uncomfortable plastic chairs that you’re used to at regular bowling alleys. Instead, The Grand has provided plenty of comfortable couches and chairs in addition to a huge coffee table for you to set your drinks and food while you’re bowling. Lanes are reserved by the half hour and are for up to 6 people. Based on our experience, you can squeeze in two games of bowling for 6 people within 1.5 hours if you move quickly.

Our number one suggestion is to be sure to make reservations for the bowling. The Grand is a popular spot right now and if you want to be able to bowl at a specific time, then reservations are the way to go. Reservations are super quick and easy to make online: https://secure.meriq.com/thegrand/

Don’t forget to explore the downstairs taproom where you’re able to serve yourself from the taps on the wall! Grab a pint of beer or a glass of wine, catch a football game on the TV, or play some of the old school arcade games that line the walls. The Grand is family friendly, but note that this particular room is for those 21 and up only.

Chesson is a Columbia native that loves to share her passion about all things local through her writing and photography. She enjoys exploring the South, one craft brewery at a time, with her husband and running local 5k races. You can spot her behind the lens of a camera, cheering on Clemson, or biking around Kiawah Island. At ByFarr, she creates social media content and works with clients to tell their stories.